Most of us have been prescribed antibiotics at some point, whether for a throat infection, UTI, or a skin problem. They’re powerful medicines, but it’s important to understand that antibiotics work only against bacterial infections, not viral illnesses like the flu or common colds.
Getting the right treatment starts with proper medical advice. With Health4Me health insurance, members enjoy Unlimited GP consultations through Hello Doctor (chat, phone, or video), as well as unlimited visits at Network GPs, where a doctor can safely decide if antibiotics are needed and prescribe them correctly.
Find out how health insurance through Bloom makes getting affordable healthcare easier.
What Are Antibiotics and How Do They Work?
Antibiotics are medicines that fight bacterial infections in people and animals. They work by either killing harmful bacteria outright or making it harder for bacteria to grow and multiply, giving your body’s natural defences time to recover.
There are two main ways antibiotics act in the body:
- Destroying bacterial cell walls, which weakens and kills the bacteria.
- Preventing bacteria from reproducing and stopping the infection from spreading further.
Antibiotics can be given in different ways depending on the type of infection:
- Oral: tablets, capsules, or liquids taken by mouth (the most common form).
- Injections: used in more serious cases that need fast action.
- Topical creams or ointments: applied directly to the skin for local infections.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, antibiotics are among the most widely used medicines worldwide, but they should only be prescribed when truly necessary to avoid side effects and resistance.
When Are Antibiotics Used?
Antibiotics are prescribed to treat a wide range of bacterial infections, including:
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs) – a common infection where antibiotics are often needed for effective treatment.
- Throat and ear infections – bacterial tonsillitis or middle ear infections may require antibiotics, especially in children.
- Skin infections – such as infected wounds, boils, or cellulitis.
- Certain respiratory infections – including bacterial pneumonia or severe bronchitis.
It’s important to remember that antibiotics are not effective against viruses like the common cold, flu, or COVID-19. Taking them when they’re not needed doesn’t make you better faster—in fact, it can do more harm than good by contributing to antibiotic resistance.
Example scenario: You might visit your GP with a sore throat expecting antibiotics, but after an examination, the doctor may find it’s viral. In this case, you’ll be given advice on rest, fluids, and symptom relief, without a prescription. This shows why medical evaluation is key: only a qualified professional can determine if antibiotics are necessary.
Types of Antibiotics (Simple Breakdown)
Antibiotics come in different groups, each working in its own way to fight bacteria. Here are some of the most common types you might hear about:
- Penicillins (e.g., amoxicillin) – some of the oldest and most widely used antibiotics, often prescribed for ear, throat, or skin infections.
- Cephalosporins (e.g., cephalexin) – useful for a variety of infections, including urinary tract infections and respiratory infections.
- Macrolides (e.g., azithromycin) – commonly used for chest infections, some sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and skin problems.
- Fluoroquinolones (e.g., ciprofloxacin) – stronger antibiotics often reserved for more serious infections like certain UTIs or pneumonia.
Each group works differently, but they all have the same goal: to stop harmful bacteria from making you sick. Your GP will choose the right type based on the infection, your medical history, and safety considerations.
Possible Side Effects of Antibiotics
While antibiotics are generally safe and effective, like all medicines, they can cause side effects.
Most are mild and manageable, but it’s good to know what to expect:
- Common side effects include:
- Diarrhoea or loose stools
- Nausea or stomach upset
- Mild skin rashes
- Yeast infections (especially in women)
- More serious risks (though rare):
- Severe allergic reactions (such as swelling, difficulty breathing, or hives)
- Imbalance in healthy gut bacteria, which can affect digestion
- Antibiotic resistance, where bacteria stop responding to treatment
Why resistance matters: Misusing antibiotics, such as not finishing a prescribed course or taking them when they aren’t needed, can make bacteria stronger and harder to treat. This is why it’s so important to only use antibiotics under a doctor’s guidance.
Safety Tips for Taking Antibiotics
To get the most benefit from antibiotics and avoid unnecessary risks, it’s important to use them safely.
Here are some simple but essential guidelines:
- Always take as prescribed – follow your GP’s instructions carefully and finish the full course, even if you start feeling better. Stopping too soon can allow the infection to come back stronger.
- Don’t share antibiotics – what works for one person may not be safe or effective for someone else.
- Avoid saving leftovers – unfinished antibiotics may not be the right type or dose for a future illness.
- Check for interactions – ask your GP if antibiotics might interact with alcohol, chronic medication, or over-the-counter products you’re taking.
- Don’t self-medicate – only a qualified healthcare professional can decide if antibiotics are necessary. Using them without medical advice can do more harm than good.
With Health4Me health insurance, you have easy access to Unlimited GP consultations via Hello Doctor or unlimited visits at Network GPs, so you’ll always have professional guidance before starting treatment.
How Health4Me Helps With Safe Antibiotic Use
Getting antibiotics safely starts with the right medical advice. With Health4Me health insurance, you don’t have to worry about the cost of repeated GP visits or consultations:
- Unlimited GP consultations via Hello Doctor – chat, phone, or video calls give you quick, convenient access to qualified doctors wherever you are.
- Unlimited GP visits at Network GPs per member per year – face-to-face care when you need a physical examination or prescription.
- Professional guidance and safe prescribing – your doctor will assess whether antibiotics are needed, prescribe the right medicine if required, or advise on alternative treatments.
This approach means you get the correct treatment, while avoiding the risks of unnecessary or unsafe antibiotic use. It’s healthcare that protects both your health and your wallet.
When to See a Doctor About Infections
While many mild illnesses clear up on their own, some signs mean it’s time to see a doctor. Seek medical help promptly if you experience:
- A persistent fever that doesn’t improve with rest and fluids
- Painful urination, which may be a sign of a urinary tract infection (UTI)
- A severe sore throat that makes swallowing difficult
- A worsening skin infection, such as spreading redness, swelling, or pus
Getting treatment early helps prevent complications and ensures you receive the right care.
With Health4Me health insurance, you don’t need to delay seeing a doctor because of cost worries. Members have access to Unlimited GP consultations through Hello Doctor and unlimited visits at Network GPs, making it simple to get help when you need it most.
Antibiotics are powerful medicines, but they must be used wisely and only when needed. Taking them correctly not only helps you recover faster but also prevents bacteria from becoming resistant.
Having safe and affordable access to GPs means you don’t have to guess or risk misuse; your doctor can guide you to the right treatment every time.
Ready to make healthcare more affordable and accessible? Explore health insurance options with Bloom today and get unlimited GP access when you need it.
